The Jets’ selection of Joe McKnight in the fourth round yesterday began a series of events that rocked their final day of the draft.
The USC running back, who the Jets traded up to get, hardly has had a mundane ride to the NFL. His recruitment out of Louisiana, where he was a Parade All-American in high school, was detailed in a book named “Meat Market,” which depicted the controversial recruiting process.
McKnight was scorned by many in Louisiana and around the SEC for leaving the area and going to USC. Once at USC, things didn’t get any easier. He was labeled the heir apparent to Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, who was the No. 2 overall pick by the Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft. McKnight acknowledged the burden of following Bush.
“I let it get to me at times, but I had to learn to let it go,” McKnight said.
Aside from those undue pressures, McKnight experienced a series of nagging injuries that included dislocating four toes in a Rose Bowl game and smashing his fingers when a dorm room door closed on his hand.
He really never became the feature back at USC until his senior year last season, rushing for 1,014 yards, eight TDs and a 6.13-yard average.
It was the Jets drafting of McKnight that allowed them to trade Leon Washington yesterday.
“We felt like once he had Joe, we could move on without Leon,” Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said.
Draft pick profiles
Name: Joe McKnight
Pick: Fourth round, 112th overall
Hometown: River Ridge, La.
School: USC
Height: 5-11
Weight: 198
Position: RB
In the NCAA: Last season was his best, with 1,014 rushing yards, a 6.18-yard average and eight rushing TDs.
In the NFL: He joins a crowded backfield that already features LaDainian Tomlinson, Shonn Greene and even fellow USC product Chauncey Washington. McKnight will have to find a role for himself, perhaps as a backup third-down back.
Name: John Conner
Pick: Fifth round, 139th overall
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
School: Kentucky
Height: 5-11
Weight: 240
Position: FB
In the NCAA: Was a walk-on. He set a school record by playing 53 games. A crunching blocker. Nicknamed “The Terminator” by teammates. Rushed for 247 yards and eight TDs in his career.
In the NFL: Should be an immediate contributor on special teams, having played on the kickoff teams in college. Will learn from veteran Tony Richardson as his obvious successor.